When you tally up your assets on your farm, you probably count the big ones: land, machinery, inputs, buildings, stored grain. But do you count your people? Your workers, your family and yourself? You should. These folks are your number one asset and as such need to be guided and protected. Keeping these people safe […] Read more
Protecting workers and your farm
Back to safety basics in the New Year
With a new year comes resolutions. This year, instead of making a resolution to do something you’ve never done before, what if you made a resolution to perform daily tasks properly and safely? Something like operating a tractor? Tractors are essential to farm operations. From field work to feeding the livestock to cleaning snow, tractors […] Read more
Safely transport oversize loads
Farm safety: Tips to get your equipment to the field and back again
With larger farm equipment comes larger transportation challenges. Equipment wider than highway lanes poses a hazard to not only the equipment operator, but also to other motor vehicle operators. Tall equipment can come into contact with low-hanging wires, bridges and other vital pieces of infrastructure. Collisions with other vehicles is a major concern while transporting […] Read more
Mental health on the farm: understanding stress
According to a 2005 report, almost two-thirds of Canadian farmers are feeling stressed on their farms. One in five farmers describe themselves as being “very stressed” while almost half (45 per cent) describe themselves as being “somewhat stressed.” Stress is all around us. Understanding it and managing it are essential in having healthy minds and […] Read more
Farm safety conference to focus on new and emerging agricultural trends
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) will holdits 23rd annual conference “Agsafety — Make it a Record Year!” and annual general meeting in Edmonton, Alta., from October 3 to 5, 2017. “Farming is dynamic,” says Marcel Hacault, CASA’s Executive Director. “Trends, technology and legislation affect how we deal with farm health and safety. CASA is […] Read more
Keep safety top of mind when cleaning out grain bins
A key reason people become entrapped in grain is that grain stored in bins is out of condition. A farmer enters the bin to break down the crusted grain and tragedy strikes, grain comes tumbling down and the person is engulfed. If grain is kept in good condition, no one has to enter the bin, […] Read more
Remove and store duals safely to prevent injuries
Duals are useful to improve traction and reduce soil compaction. However, for some farming activities, they may no longer be necessary. Removing them reduces tire wear and enhances maneuverability. While removing duals doesn’t seem dangerous, there are some hazards associated with the task. People have been crushed by falling wheels and experienced strains and sprains. […] Read more
Yield to trains when you cross the tracks
The railways that crisscross Canada are vital links from farm to table. According to CN, over 20 million tonnes of Canadian grain is moved annually by rail. Rail is essential to getting your grain to where it needs to go. As crucial as rail is to your operation, so is being safe where field and […] Read more
Use safety practices to avoid ATV rollovers
All terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be not only useful on the farm, they can add an element of fun to work. Whether using ATVs recreationally or as the best way to get to remote back fields, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association’s “Appealing to Adults” Canadian Ag Safety Week campaign urges farmers to protect themselves against […] Read more
Back to basics: Tractor operation 101
Tractors are essential to farm operations. From field work to feeding livestock to cleaning snow, tractors are the most used machine on the farm. As simple and as commonplace as these machines are, the fact remains that the majority of agriculture machinery-related fatalities involve tractors. Reminders on basic safety while operating tractors can help everyone […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
